access arm

access arm

[′ak‚ses ‚ärm]

(computer science)

The mechanical device which positions the read/write head on a magnetic storage unit.

access arm

The mechanical arm that moves the read/write head across the surface of a hard disk similar to the tone arm on a turntable. The access arm is directed by instructions in the operating system to move the head to a specific track, and the rotation of the platter positions it over the required sector. Also called an "actuator arm" because the actuator is the motor and mechanism that moves the arm. See read/write head.

Access Arm and Platters

Although solid state drives (SSDs) will eventually replace all hard drives in time, the disk is a marvel of mechanical operation. The access arm moves at blazing speed across the surface of the platters. See solid state drive.

Access Arm and Platters

Although solid state drives (SSDs) will eventually replace all hard drives in time, the disk is a marvel of mechanical operation. The access arm moves at blazing speed across the surface of the platters. See solid state drive.

Although there will be no crew on the first flight, the crew access arm provides a bridge to Orion for personnel and equipment entering the spacecraft and allows the ground crew access for processing and prelaunch integrated testing while in the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB) and at Launch Pad 39B.

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